What we say matters.

As educators, advocates, spouses, friends, and providers, our use of language can deeply affect the self-view of people living with diabetes every day.

Intentional communication is a powerful tool that can uncover trauma, identify barriers, and move both the provider and person with diabetes toward a greater understanding of the issues involved.

The language used in the health care setting is immensely important in determining trust, mutual respect, and meaningful long term relationships.

Many people with diabetes have experienced injustice, trauma, marginalization, and are often struggling with feelings of shame and blame.

• Let’s lift people through our commitment to careful listening.
• Let’s choose the language that is person-centered and free from judgment.
• Let’s empower our interactions by identifying and addressing trauma and the impact of social determinants.

FREE Webinar – Lifting People Up

Topics covered include:

• Learn phrases, words, and approaches that can be left behind.
• Describe diabetes language that is respectful, inclusive, person-centered, and imparts hope.
• Discuss how to evaluate for ACE and provide trauma-informed care
• Practice communicating about diabetes using phrases free from judgment with a focus on a strength-based approach.

This mini-webinar is free, and no CEs are provided, but there is lots of great info!

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Articles and Resources

Use of Language in Diabetes Care and Education – 2017 ADA & AADE  
Language is powerful and can have a strong impact on perceptions as well as behavior. This article provides recommendations for language used by health care professionals and others when discussing diabetes through spoken or written words whether directed to people with diabetes, colleagues, or the general
public, as well as research questions related to language and diabetes. 

Quick Guide on Diabetes and Language for Health Care Professionals – ADCES

Empowerment vs. Compliance Model

Action for Happiness » Excellent website filled with actions we can all take to feel better every day.

Trauma-Informed Care Resources

Please see our Resource Page and FREE Webinar on Trauma Informed Care

Becoming ACE-Aware Training Program

Nadine Burke Harris, MD TED Talk on How Childhood Trauma affects health

What happened to you? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing – authors Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. An excellent book that explores the impact of trauma and steps to take toward healing.